A shiny hair coat is what we all desire for our horses, as it’s not only a reflection of good health, but also a pleasant sight to see. But how exactly does one achieve a shiny hair coat? Let’s get to the bottom of this question!
Diet is Key
First and foremost, a shiny, healthy hair coat begins with diet. Specifically, horses need a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. If your horse is on good pasture, omega-3’s will be plentiful. However, horses on an all hay or mostly hay diet will likely need omega-3 supplementation in the form of something like Organic ground flaxseed, chia seeds, or a healthy oil.
Speaking of oils, you may have heard that corn or vegetable oil will help create a shiny coat. While this is true, you should know that oils like these are higher in omega-6 than omega-3 content. This means they are pro-inflammatory and may worsen conditions such as arthritis. So choose wisely when it comes to feeding your horse any type of oil!
Vitamins A, D, and E are also critical for a healthy hair coat. Again, many of these can be found in fresh grass, but vitamins are often depleted when grass is cut and dried for hay. Horses deficient in these vitamins, as well as certain minerals, will often have a faded or dull hair coat. Feeding a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement such as Organic Icelandic Kelp can help provide many of the critical vitamins and minerals a horse needs.

Photo by Luisa Peter on Unsplash
Grooming for Shine
Though you’ll never get a glossy hair coat without the right diet, grooming can take that shine to the next level. Not only does daily grooming remove dirt which can dull the look of your horse’s coat, but it also helps to bring out natural oils produced in the horse’s skin.
A good grooming routine might start with a rubber curry comb to loosen up dirt. Next, use a stiff brush to pull the natural oils into the hair shaft. Then, finish up by using a soft-bristled brush to get rid of any fine dust that may remain.
Also, make sure to keep your grooming tools clean—that way you’re not brushing more dirt into your horse’s hair coat. Wash your brushes in a bucket of water with dish soap, separating and scrubbing the bristles to remove dirt, oil, and dander.
Coat Care
Last, but certainly not least, bathing your horse can really bring out that luster. However, keep in mind that bathing should only be done once or twice a month at most, as it can strip the hair coat of its natural oils.
It’s best to choose natural products that are pH-balanced for horses and dilute your shampoo in a bucket of water before using. Lather your horse up using a bathing mitt, cloth, or sponge and make sure to rinse well to remove all residue.
With the right diet, a good grooming routine, and occasional bathing, your horse should be well on their way to a beautiful, shiny coat!